Some American children are at higher risk than others of developing alcohol and other drug problems. Preventing these problems requires early and persistent communications programs that employ diverse channels and target a variety of audiences. The monograph addresses five specific audiences: youth from high-risk environments; black children; Hispanic/Latino youth; parents; and primary care physicians. Youth from high-risk environments are the focus of P.L. 100-690, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. This law is particularly important for those planning communications because it calls for a broad array of programs to serve high-risk populations. The legislation provides added assistance to communities for developing long-term substance abuse prevention strategies, model drug abuse education projects for pregnant and postpartum women and infants, block grants to States for community youth activity programs, school programs for children of alcoholics, community-based volunteer projects, early childhood education curricula on drug abuse prevention in preschools, a program for youth gangs, and a program for runaway and homeless youth. The monograph discusses how to reach families and youth from high-risk environments and how to work with intermediary organizations in developing communications programs. Appendixes include supplemental materials to facilitate the planning and organization of drug abuse prevention programs. 37 tables